Tag Archives: positive

How To Live A Healthier And Happier Life

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How To Live A Healthier And Happier Life

If you have been trying to change your life around and live a healthier and happier one, then it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. It can be tricky to take the first step, so read on to find out what you can do to begin improving your life today:

Visiting a recovery center:

If you have been struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, taking a step towards a Renaissance Recovery Center Outpatient Treatment can be very scary. But, seeking treatment is a significant first step to transforming your life. They can find you a program and a routine that works for you and your needs taking note of any commitments you have, such as work, school, and other priorities that you need to work around.

No matter what your struggle is, these centers are here to help you shape your life into a healthier, happier, fuller one. When deciding on a center, choose one that will best suit your needs. Do you prefer to stay at the center or would you rather it be an outpatient program similar to the alcohol rehab near Overland Park? Do the counselors have a personality that meshes well with yours? You want to set yourself up for the best chance of success.

Should a recovery center be something you are interested in going to, it is a good idea to take a tour of several different options to find the best fit for you. This is a big change and it’s so important that you feel fully comfortable where you are and their services are applicable to your needs. To begin scheduling tours, simply enter a search for “90-day addiction treatment program in south carolina” (or your local area) and research your options. A recovery center that is an excellent fit for you will increase your chances of a better life upon graduation.

Taking up a hobby:

With hundreds of various hobbies and activities around, there is something for everyone. Whether it’s something such as cycling and running to pot throwing and tennis, these are all hobbies that can be done in your spare time. This is a great time to clear your mind while releasing any stress and worries. If you are looking for a small hobby that can be done within the home, then try an adult coloring, writing, and meditation – which can all help calm your body.

Looking after your body:

Taking exercise classes can be nerve-racking and cause anxiety with many people, but it can relieve a lot of stress while making you overall happier and healthier. While there are many exercise classes for you to take, you can also complete courses at home, whether it is on a video call or guidance through a YouTube video. There are many options you can choose from, such as yoga, HIIT, spin classes, and cardio to boost your fitness levels and have a healthy heart.

Gratitude and journaling:

A popular way to release any negative energy is to replace these thoughts with things that you love and cherish. Starting every morning, write three things that you are grateful for, something that would make today better, three things you love, and a quote to boost your confidence and to encourage each day to start in the best way.

Hopefully, with this guide, you will be able to take those first steps to living a healthier and happier life. Will it be easy? Nothing good ever is! But, it’s up to you to give it your best shot. Good luck!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Ringing In The New Year: Lil Red’s Pro Tips

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Ringing In The New Year: Lil Red’s Pro Tips

Hello everyone! It is almost 2020 on good old planet earth and that means it’s time to start thinking New Year’s Resolutions and how to improve the way you go about your life with another year’s worth of knowledge behind you. I, for one, never participate in New Year’s Resolutions but that doesn’t mean that I don’t have some good tips and tricks to help you ring the new year in right. Let’s get to it:

Get A Calendar:

The first thing I always do when a new year is upon us is get a new desk sized calendar. With my crazy schedule, organization is key and it’s always nice to see my days planned out before my eyes. I’m sure all of you can relate to a busy lifestyle and the stresses that come with it and, sometimes, all you need is a visual of what you have going on to help you get through your day in a timely and effective manner.

Have A Think:

What goals do you want to accomplish in 2020? What bad habits would you like to break? How are you going to better yourself? Working out? Therapy? Budgeting more wisely? The possibilities for your New Year’s Resolution are endless, which is why it’s important to think long and hard about what you would like to achieve.

It is also crucial to think of goals that are possible to reach. Is it really plausible that you can lose fifty pounds in one month by going to the gym once a week? No, it’s not. If you create unobtainable goals, you’re just going to end up feeling down and out about it and giving up. Create small goals and challenge yourself more and more each time you achieve them for maximum results.

Leave Negativity In 2019:

Feeling bad about yourself or being surrounded by toxic people is so 2019. So, maybe your New Year’s Resolution can focus on bringing more positivity into your life. It is okay to let go of certain people who cause you undue pain and stress. Your well-being should be your top priority so don’t be afraid to let it be. Focus on you and watch yourself flourish in the new year.

Self Care Is Cool:

Sometimes it’s impossible to cut back on the hustle and bustle that goes on in our daily lives. Believe you me, I get it. But, it’s also important to set aside at least a little time for you during the week. For example, I always look forward to my Wednesday night bubble bath. It’s a small Hump Day treat that makes me feel happy and pampered. Think of a way that you can treat yoself throughout the work week and I can guarantee an improved state of mind.

And, Remember:

Not having a New Year’s Resolution is fine, too! Maybe your 2019 was a banger so if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. If you feel comfortable and content with where you’re at in your life, why rock the boat? New Year’s Resolutions are not meant to stress you out but to help you make positive changes. If you find yourself freaking out about it, then maybe the hype of “new year, new me” just isn’t for you – and that’s okay!

2020 is coming in hot so follow the tips above and let it be your best year yet!

How do you feel about New Year’s Resolutions? What are your goals for 2020? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Tattoo You: Death From Sandman Edition

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Tattoo You: Death From Sandman Edition

Helloooo! I am a huge graphic novel fan and my all time favorite is the Sandman series by Neil Gaiman. I have read and reread the fantastic saga countless times and it still manages to surprise and intrigue me every time. I have several tattoos from the Sandman series featuring my favorite characters like Dream, Delirium, and Destiny, but the one I love most of all is probably of Death. Check out this beaut:

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Death is probably the most beloved Sandman character to anyone you will ask. She’s this darling little goth girl who is the human personification of, you guessed it, death. But, instead of having a grim outlook on life, she loves it and is always up for an adventure. Death is a protector and meets every single person in their final moments to ease the transition from the living to the dead.

Although I enjoy each character from Sandman in their own right, I have always been drawn to death. I adore her spunky, sassy attitude and her sleek sense of style. She’s bubbly and cheerful and I think that that teaches people to find the joy in the not so great situations because it’s always there if you know where to look.

Who else is a fan of the Sandman series? What is your favorite comic book series? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Accessory Story: SJ Pearl Jade Necklace

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Accessory Story: SJ Pearl Jade Necklace

Helloooo everyone and welcome to the next Accessory Story from my TJMaxx haul where we will be discussing another gorgeous piece by SJ Pearl. This longer in length jade necklace features a Laughing Buddha pendent, which we already established yesterday as a symbol for good luck and abundance in life. The beads on my new necklace are made of jade which offers wisdom and compassion among other good stuff. And, as I work with people with special needs, I can always use some of that! Take a look:

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Very much like my beloved grandma, when I find something that I like, I tend to get it in every style and color. So, picking out my second Laughing Buddha necklace by SJ Pearl was a necessary evil that I am so not mad about! I love the rosary style length of this necklace and the subtle but beautiful coloring of the jade stones.

Like the obsidian necklace on yesterday’s post, it feels so nice to have the weight of my new jewelry around my neck because it just feels good, ya know? It makes me feel positive and kind of like the dark clouds that sometimes cover me are lifted ever so slightly. My SJ Pearl necklaces make a statement that’s both stylish and meaningful and it doesn’t get much better than that!

How would you style this necklace? Which symbols mean a lot to you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Max Your Health & Happiness By Minimizing These 3 Things

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Max Your Health & Happiness By Minimizing These 3 Things

Balance is something that we all struggle to achieve in life. However, one way to produce more harmony is to get rid of or, at least, minimize the things that are doing us harm. A topic you can find out all about in the post below:

Social media:

I’m not saying social media is evil or anything, it’s just that it’s not always good for us, either. In fact, studies have shown that spending too much time on social media can aggravate anxiety and depression. After all, it’s easy to get caught up in gossip, drama, and comparing our lives to everyone else’s, as well!

With that in mind, it’s well worth minimizing the time that you spend on social media, even if you don’t cut it out completely. Happily, many phones now come with screen time controls that can be set to remind you to let go of your virtual life for a bit and live your real one, instead. Something that can help to make you both psychologically healthier and happier.

Over-trying:

Yes, it is possible to try too hard at things. So hard, in fact, that you put your mind and physical body under undue stress which can have a devastating effect on your health and happiness. To that end, it is a good idea to both know your own physical and mental limits as well as prioritize what is most important in your life and spend a more significant amount of effort on that. As humans, we can do anything, but not everything all at once!

Similarly, if you do find that you have caused yourself harm from pushing too hard either mentally or physically, it’s worth investing some time in rest, recuperation, and rehabilitation. For physical ailments, this may include accessing professional rehab services at your local clinic. While for mental overexertion a vacation or change of scenery may be in order, as well as coming up with strategies for minimizing stress that will ensure that you can cope better going forward. Yes, it may be hard to reduce or even minimize your effort in certain areas of life, but it could make all of the difference to your overall well being.

Worrying:

Now, worrying can be hard to cut out, especially if you tend to be an anxious person by nature. However, there is a way that you can prevent it from having such as hold on you and affecting your life. It’s all about getting to understand our thought and realizing that just because we think something, it doesn’t mean it’s true. Yes, this can be something that is tough to grasp at first because many of us tend to take the thoughts our brain generates at face value.

However, with activity such as meditation and CBT, we can gain some distance from our thoughts and learn to pick the ones that we choose to believe and act on. Something that can not only minimize the power of worry in our lives but also help us move towards a more healthy and happy way of living.

Maximizing the good and minimizing the things that cause us undue stress is the name of the game when it comes to increasing your well being!

Saying Goodbye To The Things That Bring You Down

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Saying Goodbye To The Things That Bring You Down

Nobody’s perfect. For some people, this isn’t a big concern. They do what they want, and their flaws are just part of who they are. For most people, however, these flaws have a detrimental effect on their well-being. Sometimes it’s physically, at other times it’s mentally. Whatever form it takes, it robs us of our contentment and enjoyment. The good news, is that with a little bit of self-analysis, we can identify these obstacles and then remove them altogether. Below, we look at some common damaging areas of a person’s life, which you can then work on saying goodbye to:

The Negative Side of Your Mind:

Of all the things that can make a person miserable, none is quite as damaging as their own mind. Everyone – absolutely everyone – has that inner critic inside of them. It’s the voice that says you’re not good enough, that you’ll never reach your goals, and that any success you have had hasn’t really been earned – you were just lucky. There are ways to silence this voice, but it’s just as effective to identify that voice, and remind yourself that it’s not real. Try talking to yourself as you would talk to a friend and see the changes that come with it.

The Non-Stop Life:

There are a lot of benefits to living in the 21st century, but these benefits have come at a cost. There are more stressed, depressed, and all-around dissatisfied people than ever before. While there are many reasons for this, one of the main causes is that we’re always connected, always moving somewhere, always doing something. We don’t take enough time just to sit back and relax. If it feels like you’ve got no time for yourself, look at making some changes. For instance, you might be spending an hour or more on your laptop each evening. Cut that time out, and you’ll have wrestled back some time, during which you can relax.

Too Much Partying:

Everyone likes to cut loose and have fun, from time to time. But if you’re “cutting loose” every other night, then it’s possible that you might have a problem. Many people go through a phase of drinking too much on consecutive weekends, but if you’re struggling to leave that lifestyle behind, you might have to take more drastic action. Whatever substance you’re taking, be it alcohol or drugs, you’ll need to educate yourself before you try to make changes; it’s much easier to succeed if you have as much information as possible. Speak with friends, take a look at this guide to withdrawal symptoms by Amethyst Recovery Center, and try to replace your vices with more positive changes. If you’re still struggling, get in touch with the experts and get professional help. You’ll feel physically and mentally better once you’ve changed your ways.

Troubling Relationships:

Everyone needs to have people in their life. If everything’s working as it should, these friends and family members should lift you up and support you as you strive to achieve your goals. However, it won’t always work that way. There are some people who enjoy bringing others down. It’s worthwhile, from time to time, to take a look at your relationships and make sure that they’re as loving and caring as they should be. If someone’s making you feel bad, then it might be time to cut them out of your life.

Life Regrets:

Nobody gets everything right in life. No matter what path you take, there will always be that sense of “what if I had done something different?” It’s inevitable. Some people take this feeling for what it is, and move on pretty quickly. Other people dwell on the topic too long, and end up miserable. Don’t overthink your life choices; they’ve already been made, and there’s nothing you can do to change them now. Enjoy what you have. There’s every chance that you’d be having the same thoughts if you had actually made the choices that you’re now thinking better. Remember, the grass is rarely greener on the other side.

2019 is officially here and cutting out all of the negativity is the best way to live your best life this time around!

Featured Image By: Pexels

How To Be Happier In Your Home

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How To Be Happier In Your Home

Your home is the one place where you should be able to feel truly happy at all times and, sadly, that might not necessarily be the case for some. For most people, there will always be something that can be done in order to feel happier in the home, and that is worth remembering if you are trying to make sure that this is as true for you as possible. In this article, we are going to take a look at just a few things to consider doing if you want to be as happy as possible in your home:

Make It Safer:

It is hard to be truly and genuinely happy if you are not safe in the home. And, for that reason, you will want to make sure that you are doing whatever might be necessary in order to try and make it as safe as possible. Achieving safety in the home can be done by paying attention to a few things in particular. First, make sure that the doors are secure and that they are not damaged at all. Second, direct that same attention to the windows, and be sure to find some replacement fiberglass windows if they need replacing or repairing. Then, make sure that you are following basic safety procedures to keep the home safe from disasters. As long as you are doing all of that, you will feel safer – and therefore much happier – in the home.

Fill It With Life:

One great way to ensure that the home is going to be as conducive to happiness as possible is to fill it with life of different kinds. That could mean having pets, plants, or a combination of the two. In either case, you will find that having more life in the home can definitely make one happier, so this is something to consider, as well. It is relatively simple to fill your home with life, and it will make such a huge difference in the overall feeling of your abode.

Keep It Personal:

Finally, be sure to fill it as much as you can with items that remind you of your life and your loved ones. Keeping it personal in this way does wonders for making you happier in the home and will make you feel like those that you hold dear are close to you, even if they might be far away.

Creating happiness in your home is all about perspective. Add in what brings you joy and watch your positivity increase in no time.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Duolingo Obsessed!!

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Duolingo Obsessed!!

Hey everyone and happy Hump Day! Okay, so on a recent post that I made talking about how I enjoy learning new languages, I got so much positive feedback and some great tips. Thanks for that, by the way! Many of you mentioned the Duolingo app in your comments, and I decided to give it a go and I am in LOVE!!

Normally, when I’m learning a new language, I just like doing the tapes in my car and practicing on my own. I had heard of the Duolingo app before but never thought of giving it a try until it got such positive reviews from my readers. I am SO thankful for that, because I am enjoying it so much!! I’m working my way through the French lessons as a fun refresher and then I plan on starting Spanish within the next month.

I just can’t emphasize enough how pleased I am that you guys shared such positivity for the app with me, because I’m bullheaded enough that I would have just kept trudging through doing things my own way without it. Learning a new language is such an amazing workout for your brain and if you are interested in a great mental workout, then Duolingo is the way to go. I can now join the rave reviewers, because within a handful of days, I have become obsessed!!

How do you practice a new language? Are there any other handy language apps that you like to use? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: MUO

Signs That It’s Time To Leave Your Job

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Signs That It’s Time To Leave Your Job

It’s easy for us to get used to our jobs and maybe even feel content with them, to the detriment of our future advancement. Just because a job is easy and it’s pleasant doesn’t mean that is is the right place for you to be. While there’s nothing wrong with staying at a job because it’s easy and we know what we’re doing, it can lead to complacency, and you might still be there ten years down the line when all of your colleagues have moved on to bigger and better things.

To avoid being trapped by complacency, here are some sure signs that it’s time to move on from your current job:

Your Life Is The Status Quo: If you’ve been doing the same job with the same routine every day for so long that you can’t even remember when it started, it might be time to look elsewhere to start really building a career. If promotions in your current place are hard to come by and you haven’t been considered despite being more than qualified, chances are you could definitely do better. And who doesn’t want to spice up their life a little>

You’re Never Given Feedback: Feedback, both positive and negative, is important for your development. If you don’t know what you’re doing right and which things could be improved upon, you’ll never be able to grow into the best professional that you can be.

Your Bosses Are Being Difficult: If after all of the hard work and dedication you’ve put into building their business, your bosses are so difficult that you have to see a workers compensation lawyer or they put you on probation because you had to take a few days out to look after a sick family member, take it as a clear nudge to get out. It’s rarely worth sticking with a company that doesn’t value you, especially when you’re only doing it because the work is easy or it’s a little more convenient for you.

There’s A Mass Exodus: If your long-term coworkers all start to abandon ship around the same time, it’s probably worth finding out why. If they’re experiencing problems in the workplace, it’s only a matter of time before you start experiencing the same issues, too. Or, if they’re leaving because they’ve found better opportunities elsewhere, you could, too!

You’ve Been Contacted By Headhunters: If you’ve been contacted by headhunters who’ve gone out of their way to try and poach you, you’d be foolish not to at least consider it. If a company really wants you, it’s usually because they’re impressed by your work and are willing to pay for the experience that you bring to the table. You may be able to negotiate a better salary and more workplace benefits with them than you could in your current position. And, once again, who doesn’t want that?

You’ve Already Been Considering It: If you’ve been thinking about leaving, even if they’ve only been idle thoughts, it could be a sign that you’ve grown weary of your job, even if you don’t fully realize it yourself. Don’t dismiss these thoughts and look into your options, because everyone has them.

Leaving a steady job can be scary, but sometimes it’s the only way to move forward to bigger and better things in your life.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Thinking Ink? Common Pros & Cons

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Thinking Ink? Common Pros & Cons

Tattoos are a huge deal nowadays. Something you’d once only see on sailors, you now see on men and women from all kinds of backgrounds. This can be great! Tattoos are a wonderful way to express creativity and tell people a little about your loves and personality. That being said, there are cons to consider, too. Let’s explore the pros and cons of inking your skin. If you’ve got a tattoo in mind, consider these things first:

Pro: Express Your Creativity And Individuality

A tattoo can tell people a lot about who you are, what you like, and things of the like. We don’t all want to look the same, and a tattoo modifies the body, helping it to stand out from the crowd. If you’re a unique person and want to express that, getting a tattoo you love could be something to consider to give yourself that little something extra. Regardless of if you are following a new tattoo trend or getting something you have been thinking about for a while, the most important thing is that you truly want to get it and a safe and skilled tattoo artist is creating it. When you have a gifted artist, your own creativity and individuality can blossom even more!

Con: Not All Artists Are Created Equal

Researching an artist is absolutely crucial before you go ahead and get a tattoo. You should never walk into a tattoo studio and ask for a tattoo there and then. You won’t get something unique, and chances are, a shoddy job will be done. Browsing through portfolios and making sure this person can do the style you want is a must. The best artists aren’t necessarily expensive, but you do usually get what you pay for. Don’t try to save a quick buck when it comes to tattoos, which usually just leaves you with a literal lifetime of regret.

Pro: Open A Door To A New Community

Chances are, you’ll meet a whole new bunch of people when you get tattoos. You’ll meet people like you, and people will likely comment on your tattoos (comments won’t always be positive). If you want to meet your ‘tribe’ tattoos could be the way to do it. (I’m part of that tribe! It’s great!)

Con: A Tattoo Could Limit Your Career Choices

Unfortunately, some places still discriminate against tattoos. You may be okay in a creative profession or if you’re your own boss, but working as a teacher, for example, usually requires un-inked skin. There are options, though. If you want to change your career down the line and you’re okay with getting rid of your tattoos, you could use a special cream or have laser treatment. Here are some astounding facts behind tattoo removal cream for you to learn more. If not, you could potentially cover up your tattoos with clothing, but this depends on how inked you are.

Pro: A Tattoo Is Your Own Piece Of Custom Art

Having a tattoo on your skin is your very own piece of custom art that lasts forever. This is great if the tattoo means something to you and is designed and undertaken by a pro. That way, you’re getting a reminder of something that you love every day!

You will likely change later on down the line, whether this be in your style or tastes. It’s a good idea to consider whether the tattoo you want will be something that means a lot to you years down the road. If it’s a yes, then go go go! 😀

Featured Image By: Pixabay